WINDWORKS

May 21, 2013

In our ‘Emotional Age’ trendbriefing in 2012 we pointed out design movement, where alternative methods of production and ingenious alternative energy sources are used for local microscale manufacturing. An inspiring example of this is Merel Karhof´s Windworks, a collection of furniture created entirely by wind power. She collaborated with the owners of two neighboring windmills in Zaanse Schans in the province of North Holland. The process of creating her collection of chairs has three stages. One, a sawmill that cut the wood by the wind. From there it is transported by water to the colour mill, De Kat, where the natural dyes are ground by the windmill. After this, the Wind Knitting Factory knits the yarns, it is colored and the furniture is upholstered. Each furniture cushion represents the amount of time needed by the wind to produce them. via